Many businesses can save money by reviewing the materials they buy and dispose of for opportunities to reuse and recycle. Some of Nassau County's top businesses already know the economic advantages of recycling and reusing some of the trash they generate. There are many options available to businesses, besides paying haulers to pick up their waste - which is usually paid for by the amount of trash generated.

Companies can reduce their trash removal expenses by practicing the familiar saying "reduce, reuse, recycle." By paying more attention to unused or wasted materials, by "auditing" waste for what can be reused or recycled, businesses can save money.
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Offices: The typical office environment generates about 1.7 pounds of waste per employee per day. Much of it is recyclable paper. Mixed use office paper may be the largest item in your dumpster. Click here to find out how to recycle paper and newspaper.

Retail: These businesses generate approximately 4 pounds of mixed waste per employee per day. This includes cardboard, packing material, and rejected or spoiled products. Again, much of this is recyclable, or can be returned to suppliers (such as wooden pallets). Click here to find out how you can recycle your office papers, newspaper, and Styrofoam pellets.

Food Service: Restaurants, supermarkets, and food processors generate an average of 14 pounds of trash per employee per day. Much of what is discarded is food waste, which could be composted or donated to social services or used as animal feed. Recyclable corrugated boxes, crates, glass, aluminum containers, plastic, and packing materials are other chief discards. The city of Fernandina Beach provides curbside pick-up to businesses for glass, aluminum and cardboard.

Travel/Resort/Leisure: The volume generated fluctuates seasonally. The primary components of waste include food, paper, newspapers, yard waste, glass, aluminum cans, plastic and metals. The two mills, the Ritz-Carlton and the Amelia Island Plantation have extensive recycling programs, and would be glad to talk to other county businesses. Contact KNB.

Manufacturing/Distribution: Corrugated cardboard, wood, and plastic are the primary recyclables used by light industry, warehouses and distributors.

Construction: Lumber, plywood, dry wall, concrete and yard waste are some of the common by-products of construction and renovation. Contact KNB for referrals to recyclers.

Source: Waste in The Workplace, Keep America Beautiful, 2001.